Computer Science Matriculation
Computer science is a major field of influence with many implications on an array of other areas of knowledge. Today, therefore, familiarity with the world of programming is a basic ‘language’ required in order to successfully advance professionally.
The representation of Arab students in the STEM faculties in academia, is so low that accordingly, high-tech employment of Arab individuals is currently at a mere 3%, compared to the 10% of the general population. The status quo of the Arab-Bedouin society in the Negev is even worse. It is estimated that only about 60 Arab-Bedouin individuals are employed within the realm of high-tech, which is astoundingly less than 1%.
In order to bring about real and lasting change, Tamar Center believes that it is necessary to cultivate computer literacy from an early age. This includes the cultivation of the knowledge, skill sets, and basic understanding required in order to establish the computer and software fluency necessary to conceptualize and function within these worlds.
The Regional Computer Science Matriculation is intended for middle and high school students in grades 9-12, who do not already have a similar program in their school.
The program studies include an introductory year, in the 9th grade, and lead up to completing 5 matriculation units in the 10th through 12th grades.
Goals
Expanding the number of Arab-Bedouin youth integrated into academia and employment in the fields of computer science, software and high-tech.
About the Program
- Featuring expert teachers and learning at a high academic level leading to completing 5 matriculation units in computer science
- Cultivating computer literacy, logical, mathematical and analytical thinking, along with facilitating a vision of future goals, and a strong perception of academic and social abilities
- Exposure to the world of academia and employment in the fields of computer science and high-tech including organized tours, workshops, lectures and peak days
- Close collaboration with partnering schools and students’ parents
- Classes are concentrated into one day of learning each week
- Studies take place at Beit Yatziv or at the Jusidman Center at Ben Gurion University
- Transportation shuttles will leave from the school locations
· Introductory studies for 9th grade students will begin in January 2022
Methods
“The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things.” -Plato.
The program is based on the Joy of Learning theory and using experiential teaching and play as optimal motives for student development and promotion of spontaneous learning.
Students simply enjoy themselves, and have fun together while playing games and participating in activities that will encourage natural discourse and language use.
The sessions are organized so that all students are exposed to activities, songs, short texts and educational tasks that stimulate the natural desire to learn and discover. The aim is to provide students with the motivation to continue learning independently, in their own free time; to create the positive impact that will influence them to continue reading, listening to music, playing with friends and even creating videos in Hebrew. This all reverts back to one of the basic principles of the joy of learning: when students take pleasure in education, it is a natural motivator for independent learning and the awakening of the basic instinct of curiosity.
Students’ Testimonials
Ella Asa , Student
“When I started Tamar Center’s Talk It Out project, I was looking forward to the beginning of the school year to meet the students. Still, it meant meeting 13 new people, trying to get to”
“When I started Tamar Center’s Talk It Out project, I was looking forward to the beginning of the school year to meet the students. Still, it meant meeting 13 new people, trying to get to know them as much as possible, and also knowing that we will be going through the coming year together week after week, and that I’d be trying to be as good as possible [at teaching] for them. I soon remembered how much fun it is to be in touch with a bunch of smart and sweet individuals who just want to learn. [I realized that] I can talk to them about everything and challenge them. I look forward to our weekly conversations, to hearing about what happened to them over the past week and to learning something new together in an exciting engaging way. These conversations are very fun for me too, just as the students try to learn Hebrew, I also try to learn from them and improve my Arabic vocabulary with one or two new words. The zoom conversations always make me want to have many more conversations [with the students] in Hebrew,and I hope that I can meet everyone face to face already.”
Marim Alnsasra , Kuseife
“I’m participating in the Talk it Out program with a university student named Ella. In the first meeting of the program, I [surprisingly] felt very comfortable, even though I did not expect to feel so . ”
“I’m participating in the Talk it Out program with a university student named Ella. In the first meeting of the program, I [surprisingly] felt very comfortable, even though I did not expect to feel so carefree studying with a group of new students that I did not know and not knowing the instructor. Ella asked me if I would open the camera [in the zoom meeting] and I opened the camera without feeling self-conscious. She also asked me to talk about myself and my family, I openly explained about myself and had no problem sharing with everyone. Studying in this program is very relaxed and comfortable, the girls and I talked freely without feeling shy and we really got to know each other. “